Soul Care for Wounded Healers July Newsletter
Entering Summer, Embracing Seasons
Embracing Internal Seasons
I recognize that those in the southern hemisphere are in winter, not entering summer; and for others you may feel like you in a different internal season than summer.
Consider what internal season you are in, without judgment. You are where you are for a reason. You don't need to force yourself into a different internal season. Flowers bloom, seeds will fall. Seeds need to go underground in order to bloom. Leaves need to fall to the ground.
As you read and reflect, invite God to be with you in whatever is stirring, in whatever season you are in.
Afterwards see below for other resources, to continue your inner soul care journey.
I invite you to take a few deep breaths before reading the below prayer, ground your feet on the floor, and read it slowly.
Prayer for Meditation: A Summer Prayer
Excerpt of prayer by Joyce Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr, The Circle of Life: The Heart’s Journey Through the Seasons
Pause. Notice how you feel.
Where do you feel resistance or doubt? Where do you feel hope?
What images or words stand out to you?
Repeat that word slowly to yourself, allowing it to become nourishment.
Consider what internal season you are in.
Engage with God, asking questions, inviting God into whatever external and internal season you are in.
Inhale. Exhale.
As you have space, sit for a few minutes in silence.
Resources
BURNOUT & RECOVERY RESOURCE LIST (Hay varias en Español también)
List includes: spiritual director search sites, counseling cooperatives, trainings, cohorts, apps, as well as some of the resources I use in my soul care groups.
If you have recommendations, I'd love to hear about them!
CUSTOMIZED NON-PROFIT WORKSHOPS
Based on the book, From Burned Out to Beloved, workshops integrate discussion questions, grounding activities, trauma research, recovery tools, contemplative practices, and other spiritual disciplines. They seek to improve the overall well-being of individuals, enhance organizational culture, and improve sustainability and effectiveness in work.
Workshop topics can be combined or tailored specifically for your group. Contact me to start the conversation.
INSIGHT TIMER GUIDED MEDITATIONS
Two new meditations! Follow me on Insight Timer to be notified when posted.
I’ve recorded some of my soul care group meditations for your listening and prayerful contemplation on-the-go! I welcome your rating and sharing of the meditations.
EXTERNAL RESOURCE FEATURES
Check out this new album available on wherever you stream music! Created by Parish Collective, as “common songs of worship that help to strengthen our resolve to honor God by seeking the wellbeing of our neighborhoods. They are Spirit-inspired and rooted in place.”
Interested in Centering Prayer and facilitating groups? Check out this upcoming training, including touching on trauma-informed psychology.
https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org/community/yc-facilitator-training/
Looking for more training on embodied practices, parts work, self-discovery? Check out The Embody Lab.
Bethany Dearborn Hiser is the Director of Soul Care for Northwest Family Life, a network of therapists trained to work with survivors of domestic violence and sexual trauma.
She is the author of From Burned Out to Beloved: Soul Care for Wounded Healers. For more about her, her book, or workshops she offers, visit: